This move by Walmart shows that there is a great need in the U.S. market for low-cost, effective medications. Many people go without the drugs they need simply because they can’t afford them, and their health can suffer.
Now let’s look at the bigger picture–California just passed a bill that would require drug companies to bring their prices down, or risk being shut out of the state’s Medicaid market. This new program will give discounts to an estimated 5-6 million Californians on their medications. Congress can follow in California’s lead and pass legislation that would allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices in the Part D program. Right now, this legislation is stalled in Congress.
If more and more states follow the lead of California–Congress may have no choice but to finally take action and do something about the high cost of prescription drugs.